Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science has been named the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) Academic Organization of the Year, recognizing the college’s efforts to support SASE students and strengthen its connection with the broader SASE community.
Over the past three years, Rossin College representatives have participated in both the SASE National Conference (STEM Connect) and the SASE Northeast Regional Conference (NERC), creating opportunities to connect with students interested in graduate education, research, and engineering careers.
At this year’s NERC at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Angelo Lambroschino, graduate recruitment manager, and Xuanhong Cheng, professor and chair of bioengineering, led sessions on the graduate recruitment process, academics, and research, giving students an opportunity to learn more about Lehigh and connect with college representatives.
For Lehigh students, SASE also provides opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, and prepare for careers in STEM.
“SASE has given me a place to grow and connected me with mentors,” says co-president Penny Yang ’28. “I’ve become more comfortable with my own culture and heritage while gaining crucial professional skills, all in the same place.”
That connection can continue well beyond graduation. Dustin Nguyen ’18, a Lehigh mechanical engineering alumnus, 2024 SASE Role Model, and member of the SASE National Board, became involved with SASE as a student and remains active as a mentor and volunteer.
“I stay involved with both SASE Lehigh and SASE National to give back to a community that has propelled my career and fostered close relationships,” says Nguyen.
Lehigh’s SASE chapter also participates in the national conference each year and volunteers at the Rossin College’s recruitment table, where prospective students can connect directly with current Lehigh students.
Lehigh students had a strong showing at the 2026 conference as well. Charlie Vo Jr. ’28 and Shelly Deng ’28 received the Judge’s Choice and Best Choice awards in the inaugural SlideSlam competition, while Will Lukman ’28 was selected to present work from Lehigh’s Creative Inquiry program at the Science Symposium.
The SASE Academic Organization of the Year Award was presented at the 2026 SASE National Conference, held October 1–3 in Seattle.